Summary

The Pleistocene history of the Stockport-South Manchester area commences with the spread of an ice-sheet over an undulating surface. This ice-sheet deposited the Lower Boulder-clay. After the ice had retreated a layer of sand accumulated over much of the area to form the Middle Sand. Later a second ice-sheet deposited the Upper Boulder-clay over the whole area. During the retreat of this ice the Upper Sand and Gravel was deposited on the clay. A period of erosion followed in which the present drainage system was established. Subsequently, oscillating conditions caused the formation of a series of terraces in the main river valleys.

A description is given of the lithology and distribution of the various deposits. The nature of the sub-drift surface in the Stockport area is described. The ages of the deposits and their modes of origin are discussed.